How Origin Under 19s propelled Strange to game's biggest stage
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NSW rookie Ethan Strange has opened up on the crucial role the State of Origin Under 19 game played in his evolution into a Blues star.
The exciting youngster was named player of the match and scored a hat-trick in his side’s 32-14 victory over the Queensland Under 19 in 2023 before making his NRL debut later that season.
Just three years on, Strange played a key role in the Blues historic Game One comeback and is preparing to play in front of 92,000 fans at the MCG next Wednesday.
The frantic final minutes
While the game itself flashed by, the youngster said he learnt lessons in the week leading up to the Under 19 Origin match that have stuck with him since.
"Games like that are a blur," Strange said "I play my best footy when I'm just out there and having fun.
"It's a cool game to look back on. When I was playing it was a blur but it was a great week and I made a lot of friendships in that camp. A few of the boys from that team ended up coming down to the Raiders after that."
Match: NSW U19s v QLD U19s
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW U19s
away Team
QLD U19s
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
The State of Origin Under 19 matches will return next Thursday night, with the states to face off in both a women’s clash and a men’s game at North Sydney Oval.
The NSW under 19 team trained with the senior side in Gosford on Saturday morning in a taste of what's to come for many of the youngsters involved.
The event has rapidly developed into a stepping stone to higher honours for the participants.
Strange’s NSW teammate Casey McLean starred for the Blues in 2024, while Queensland centre Rob Toia lined up for the junior Maroons in 2022.
Cooper Bai played a key role in Queensland’s victory in last year’s match and has developed into a regular starter for the Gold Coast Titans this season.
Maroons v Blues – U19s, 2023
Strange was joined by five of his current Raiders teammates in the NSW Under 19 team in 2023, with the group forming the nucleus of last year’s charge to the NRL minor premiership.
Canberra have built their long-term plans around Strange, Savelio Tamale, Ethan Sanders, Chevy Stewart, Myles Martin and Jake Clysdale, and hope to use the group as the foundation for grand final glory in the coming years.
"I made my debut later that year against the Storm," Strange said. "They beat us by a little bit but it was a good experience. I got thrown into the big dogs straight away but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
"I've just been enjoying the ride ever since. It goes by so quick so I've just been enjoying it."
Strange recognises the importance of receiving an early taste of the Blues set up via the Under 19 match in preparing him for a stunning senior Origin debut last month.
The 21-year-old scored a try and played a key role in the 22-20 comeback victory at Accor Stadium after being thrust into the starting side just a day before the match.
Ethan Strange Try
With Mitchell Moses on track to return from a hamstring injury, Strange is set to return to the six-man bench for Game Two at the MCG next week.
While he is just 21 years old, the versatile athlete continues to impress his more experienced teammates on and off the field.
"He's so humble and quiet," veteran Api Koroisau said. "We're rooming together, me, Ethan and [Victor] Radley. He sleeps a lot but these kids need their sleep to grow."
Witness the next generation of NRL and NRLW stars live in the State of Origin Under 19 at North Sydney Oval. Tickets are available from just $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Click here to get yours today.
